My name is Septina (28) and I'm
working in a creative industry. I've been doing my current job for 4
years and I think I have a financial issue to solve. It's not that
I'm poorly paid, but I believe I deserve a better salary regarding
my achievement. But it seems to me that the system in my company
sets that everyone gets paid according to how long they've worked.

Many times I thought about quitting, but the reason I stay is I love
what I'm doing. What should I do, Ibu Karen?

Dear Septina,

It is typical that someone working in an industry loses pay equity
over time. Most companies think of paying you at your job grade but
not for your achievement. You often get more money when you move.

There is something called an in-grade adjustment (usually 5%) to
recognize special achievements, or a bonus system. If these are not
typical in your company, then itís hard to get them.

What you need is a career discussion with your boss or a person
above. A career discussion is structured as follows:

1) You love your job and the company. You have a dilemma.

2) Although you donít want to leave the company, youíve noticed that
other companies may pay more for your work output and your quality.
Before you decide to go somewhere else, ask your boss give you some
guidance about your future at the company. (You donít have to ask
for a raise; the meeting makes itís obvious.) Be ready to tell your
boss how much more you need if asked.

After that meeting, you need to look at the job market to see if
there are other creative companies that you admire. Ask your friends
if anyone knows someone working there. You do need to check with
other, similar companies to compare what you have in content and
pay. You may find that you need to move on if your boss is not
receptive to your request for a career discussion. Or you may love
your job so much that itís not important to move. Itís better to
base your decision on evidence.